PUBS branching out into food and even takeaways have become the norm in the current economic climate.

But selling bread and milk? And what about kids' playgrounds?

Two village pubs – one in Lelant and one near Hayle – have opened new services for the benefit of their communities.

The Badger Inn has opened its own shop to provide essentials – including your weekly Cornishman – for a community that has suffered since the village post office shut.

The shop will be run from a converted barn by landlord Bertie Bodmer and will be open from 7am to 7pm, six days a week and half days on Sundays.

Now the Royal Standard in Gwinear has added its own innovation, a community adventure playground, in part of its huge pub garden.

Regular users of the playground will include the local Busy Bodies playgroup, as well as children who live in Gwinear and customers' children.

Both pubs have been given grants to create their new services thanks to the Pub is The Hub organisation, which aims to help pubs diversify.

After approaching the not-for-profit organisation, Bertie was able to apply for the £3,800 cost of converting the outbuilding into a shop from its Community Services Fund.

The Badger Inn shop will sell locally made goods like fresh bread, dairy produce, meats, fruit and vegetables, as well as honey from a beekeeper across the road and its own home-made patés, potato salads, coleslaw, pasties and scones from the busy pub kitchen. It will employ another two full-time members of staff.

Bertie said: "Since taking on the pub nearly two years ago, I have tried to pick up where other services to Lelant have been lacking. The shop is an extension of that service as well as an outlet for local suppliers and additional employment.

"I would also welcome suggestions from Lelant residents about what they think I should stock and I'm sure that it will evolve over time to supply all their convenience needs."

Wayne and Nicola Berry, from the Royal Standard, decided to utilise their huge pub garden with a community adventure playground for the children in the local area.

With support from Pub is The Hub and local adviser, Reg Clarke, the Berrys secured a £1,500 grant from the Community Services Fund to create an assault course-style play area with a bark floor.

Wayne is keen to ensure the garden is open to everyone and said: "Having two children ourselves, we know that they need lots of fresh air and activity in a safe and controlled environment. We're just so pleased with the support we have had from Reg and Pub is The Hub in getting this project off the ground."